Man and woman fined after returning to caravan closed by police

The caravan, on wasteland off Liverpool Street in Northwich, was boarded up last week after Warrington magistrates granted a closure order on October 31.

Officers from the Northwich Neighbourhood Team secured the three-month order following reports of persistent anti-social behaviour and drug-related activity.

But just six days later, John Bloor and Jane Sharp - both of no fixed abode in Northwich - returned to the scene and entered the caravan.

Bloor, aged 48, and 46-year-old Sharp both appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on November 7 where they pleaded guilty to breaching the closure order.

The pair were each handed £40 fines and ordered to pay £85 in court costs, however their punishment could have been more severe.

The caravan will be boarded up for three months (Image: Cheshire Police)

Anyone found breaching the closure order is would be liable to be arrested and face up to six months in prison, a £5,000 fine or both.

Police officers will be conducting regular checks of the caravan over the next three months to ensure the closure order is not breached again.

Speaking after the order was granted, PC Alex Aston, of the Northwich Neighbourhood Team said: “This is a fantastic result for residents, who have reported numerous instances of drug related activity and ASB connected to the caravan over recent months.

"The behaviour of the occupants was totally unacceptable and was having a significant detrimental impact on the quality of life of local residents.

"We want people to be able to live in their homes without having to endure this sort of behaviour and the closure order is another example of our commitment to targeting those who undermine our communities and bring misery to others.

"At Northwich LPU we will continue to tackle those who engage in anti-social or criminal activity at their own home. Those who do so risk losing their property."

Anyone who is concerned about anti-social behaviour in their community is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 or visit www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us .

Alternatively, residents can report information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.